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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

MK Shadow Guard vs Qwertykeys Neo60 CorePrebuilt vs DIY Kit

Choose the MK Shadow Guard for a ready-to-use, themed keyboard, or the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core for extensive wireless customization.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

MK Shadow Guard

Prebuilt

If you want

  • Unique Heroes of Shadow Guard theme with exclusive purple and orange single-color LEDs.
  • Pre-built and ready to use with linear Cherry MX Red switches.
  • Includes a long 60-inch USB cable.

And can live with

  • Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
  • Switches are plate-mounted and not hot-swappable, limiting customization.
  • Keycaps are laser-engraved ABS, which may develop shine over time.

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

DIY Kit

If you want

  • Extremely customizable as a DIY kit with choice of case color, plate material, and weight finish.
  • Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C).
  • Hot-swappable PCB supports easy switch changes without soldering.

And can live with

  • Requires assembly and the purchase of separate switches and keycaps.
  • Has a long estimated production and ship time of 12 weeks.
  • Lacks per-key RGB lighting.

Bottom line

Your choice is straightforward. If you want a unique, themed keyboard that works out of the box, the MK Shadow Guard is the simpler option. If you are willing to wait and build your own perfect keyboard with wireless freedom and deep customization, the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core kit offers far greater long-term value and personalization.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

MK Shadow Guard

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

  • Case material

    ABS, Aluminum, Plastic

    Aluminum

  • Mount style

    Plate Mount

    PCB Mount

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • MK Shadow Guard
  • Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
Performance
68
58
Build quality
55
80
Productivity
46
61
Customizability
49
73
Portability
64
87

What they share

  • Layout size: 60%
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is the more versatile choice, winning in office, programming, travel, and modding scenarios due to its wireless features, programmability, and custom kit nature. The MK Shadow Guard is better suited for gamers who want a simple, themed, pre-built wired keyboard. For content creation, the decision depends on whether visual aesthetics or macro programmability is more important.

For gaming

Pick the MK Shadow Guard

  • Wired-only connection for consistent latency.
  • Includes N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • Pre-built with linear Cherry MX Red switches ready for use.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

MK Shadow Guard

No owner reviews collected yet.

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

5.0

14 owner reviews

Praise
“Exceeded my expectations, iv been using my salvation that cost more than double and i feel its better and espcially the even sound throughout the keeb”
martin b.Verified buyer· via Divinikey

Full specs

MK Shadow Guard vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

11 of 21 specs differ

MK Shadow Guard

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
—

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
PCB Mount

Layout

Layout size

60%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

Wired only
2,200 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum

Plate material

Plastic
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Plastic, POM

Keycaps

ABS
—

Weight

—
1,500 g

Dimensions

—
18 x 293 x 109 mm

Typing angle

—
8°

Backlight

RGB
None

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • MKUS

    In stock
    $69Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$69Visit
  • DivinikeyUS

    In stock
    $49Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$49Visit

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

MK Shadow Guard vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core: your questions

No, the MK Shadow Guard is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via a USB cable, which the manufacturer lists as 60 inches long.

No, the Neo60 Core is sold as a barebones DIY kit. It includes the case, PCB, plate, and accessories, but you must purchase mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.

The MK Shadow Guard is better for a beginner who wants a complete, plug-and-play keyboard. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is a project for beginners interested in learning keyboard assembly and customization.

Not easily. The MK Shadow Guard uses plate-mounted switches that are soldered onto the PCB, as the vendor description confirms it is not hot-swappable. Changing switches requires desoldering and soldering skills.

The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core kit includes two 2200mAh internal batteries for its tri-mode version. The manufacturer does not provide an estimated battery life in hours.

Only the MK Shadow Guard has LED backlighting, featuring exclusive purple and orange single-color LEDs with multiple lighting modes. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core PCB has no per-key RGB.

The vendor description does not explicitly state Mac compatibility. However, its support for Bluetooth and VIA software suggests it should be functional, though specific key mappings for Mac may need to be configured in VIA.

The MK Shadow Guard uses a plate mount style. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core uses a PCB gasket mount or O-ring mount, which is generally associated with a softer, more cushioned typing feel.

The vendor description for the MK Shadow Guard does not mention any software support for key remapping or macro programming. Its customization appears limited to the built-in LED lighting modes.

The kit includes the aluminum case, weight, PCB, plate, foam kit, gaskets, stabilizers, a disassembly tool, a carrying case, a keycap puller, a screwdriver, and a USB-C cable. A full list is provided in the vendor description.

According to the manufacturer's specifications, the MK Shadow Guard includes a USB cable that is 60 inches (or about 1.5 meters) long.

Yes. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core offers tri-mode connectivity, which includes a wired USB-C connection. You can use it exclusively in wired mode if you prefer not to use the wireless features.

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